Chapter 6

Edileth struggles with Rikku's discovery, as well as her own faith. Another member arrives with some not-so-lovely news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

Edileth’s lip curled in disgust. The thought of Joenek taking a fancy to her was simply absurd. Surely Rikku was mistaken.

“No.” She stated vehemently. “You are most assuredly wrong in your conjecture. He does not care for me. And I aver that I most certainly do not care for him.”

Rikku looked a bit startled at Edileth’s growling outburst but seemed sure of her own speculation. The small elf looked askance at the flustered blonde and then moved back to her spot.

Distressed, Edileth needed something to take her mind off the disturbing thoughts that droned on and on. She leaned to the left and rifled through her bag until she found what she was looking for.

Edileth took out a small book bound in supple, ruddy plant material with a braided cord of the same matter wrapped around it. She unlashed the cord, pulled the flap aside, and opened the book. The cream-coloured pages had been made with linen thread. Edileth had learned from a master book-binder that this allowed the pages to expand in humidity, preventing them from tearing. In addition, the pages of the old book had been coated in beeswax to further protect them from damp conditions.

Edileth carefully flipped through the pages, looking for a specific passage. The volume was segmented into various books and chapters. The collection was called Ain Kenonayav, meaning rather simply, “The Book.” It was a compilation of sacred writings of the followers of Feridh.

After Edileth found the page she wanted, the blonde elf pulled a few loose sheets of parchment and a slender charcoal stick encased in wood from the small pocket at the back of the book. She then wrote on the parchment, making little notes. The rothnak proceeded to flip through Ain Kenonayav, writing little bits down before moving to a new passage and continuing the process.

After a short time, Edileth had a rather substantial amount of writing with various things of import underlined.

 

Be not quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love

Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak,

slow to anger…anger does not produce the

righteousness of Feridh

Feridh’s servant mustn’t be quarrelsome but kind

to all

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty

Put on…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience

Pursue righteousness, faith, love, steadfastness,

gentleness

[Love] does not insist on its own way; it is not

irritable or resentful

 

Edileth stared at her writing, trying to absorb, and memorize each word. A long sigh hissed from her lungs. If only staring at the words was all it took to become a better follower of Feridh. The young elf knew she could be quite harsh and critical. However, she often felt there was nothing she could do to change it. No matter how hard she tried to be the loving, patient rothnak that Feridh called her to be, her anger and sharp tongue always seemed to escape her control.

Sighing again, Edileth tucked the parchment and charcoal back into the pocket, closed the book and re-wrapped it.

“Have we any idea of who shall arrive next, and when?” She questioned, turning to the others.

Yena looked up; stilling her hands and laying down the fabric she had been sewing.

“I do believe -- assuming all goes per our original plan --Marrik will arrive late to-night or early on the morrow.”

Edileth scrunched her nose and pursed her lips in an expression of distaste. All three of her companions noticed her disgruntled countenance and sent questioning looks her way.

“I cannot stand Marrik.” She explained. “He’s terribly full of himself and boasts his intelligence in attempt to make others feel small. It is highly irritating.”

“Oh,” Joenek began with humor, “so in other words, Marrik is just like you.”

His laughter rang out at Edileth’s look of injured pride.

“No.” Edileth spat out. “I am nothing like him -- nothing, at all, like that pompous blatherskite.”

“A pompous…what?” Joenek gave a puzzled look.

“A blatherskite is one who is rather inclined to ramble on about nothing important, for the mere sake of talking. I honestly believe Marrik simply enjoys hearing the sound of his own voice.”

“Ah!” Joenek grinned. “Well, the talking bit isn’t like you, anyway. The rest, though…” The laughing elf shrugged as if that simple gesture proved his point.

“Now, now, we all have quirks.” Yena stated. “Let us not be too quick to judge.”

“Having quirks is one thing.” Edileth sniggered. “But let’s not forget his revolting hygienic practices.” She shivered in aversion. “Or lack, thereof.”

Joenek burst into laughter, once more.

“I think it’s safe to say Edileth doesn’t care for this Marrik fellow.”

“Don’t encourage her.” Yena stated while giving him a firm gaze. “Marrik mightn’t be the most cleanly elf, but he really is very brilliant. He does allow that intelligence to get to his head a bit, but he is truly gifted.”

“He was kind to me,” Rikku started. “But I’ve only met him a few times.”

Edileth grimaced. Well, of course she would think that he seemed nice. She’s far too naïve to know any better. Perhaps if she spent less time with animals she would know what a ne’er-do-well he really is.

“Would you care to further express your opinions, Edileth?” Yena gave a warning look.

Ducking her head, Edileth voiced a quiet denial.

“I thought not.” Yena stated. “Let us remember what the scriptures of Ain Kenonayav say. ‘…whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’”

Edileth felt shame redden her face. Had she not just read similar passages? Could she not even remember the teachings of Feridh for a few moments? For what seemed to be the hundredth time, she wondered why she had been chosen. How could Feridh possibly love her when she was constantly failing him?

Silence hung on the air a little too long as Rikku and Joenek tried to blend into their surroundings and ignore the reprimanding that Edileth had received. Yena released a small sigh. Clearing his throat, Joenek interrupted the quiet.

“Exactly how many others are coming?” He questioned.

“Once all have arrived our party shall number seven, total.” Yena replied. “Of course, there will be Marrik. And then there will be Torben and Celik. I think you will find Celik to be rather interesting. He is not overly talkative, but he’s of the Kenim Naduhlna. You are an apprenticing ranger, are you not?”

Joenek’s eyes grew wide at the mention of the high order of rangers.

“I am.” He spoke in awe-struck wonder. “He’s really a Kenim Naduhl?”

“Yes.” Yena chortled.

“That is incredible. I definitely look forward to meeting him.” The young roth stated emphatically. “So… now we just wait until the others show up?”

“Indeed.” Yena answered with a slight nod of her head.

“Unfortunately,” Edileth grumbled under her breath. “I grow weary of all this lazing about. I long to get on with our plans.”

“I should have thought you, of all elves, would enjoy a wee respite.” Yena chuckled. “We shall have plenty of sleepless nights ahead, I am sure. Let us enjoy this time of relaxation while we can.”

Edileth sighed.

“Speaking of which,” Joenek began, “what, exactly, is this all about?”

“It’s about the Gredhe Orb, of course.” The blonde elf stated with a glare.

“Well I had gathered that.” Joenek replied in exasperation. “But you haven’t really been very generous with the explanations, have you, Miss Everything-is-about-me? Every time I try to get answers from you, you get full of yourself and tell me to shove off.”

“I needn’t be forthcoming with you. You aren’t even supposed to be here. And I am not full of myself.” Edileth’s voice had risen more than she anticipated, both in pitch and volume. Her voice echoed annoyingly through the caverns. Embarrassed by her outburst, she hastily grumbled an apology.

“That’s enough of that nonsense.” Yena stated firmly. “You two are going to have to learn to get along, or this is going to be one dreadfully long journey.

“As for your question, Joenek, I’m afraid you must wait to receive those answers until the others have arrived. I can tell you this; each member of our party comes from a different city or village in Gael-Narendh. The Ferlian Order selected ea--” Yena paused as she saw Joenek’s look of bewilderment.

“What?” She asked, bemused.

Joenek assumed a rather sheepish look.

“What’s the Ferlian Order?” He asked.

“Oh.” Yena smiled. “Forgive me; I am rather used to speaking among fellow Ferlians. The Ferlian Order -- also known as The Order -- is the group that I had mentioned the other day; I believe I described it as ‘a high order devoted to the ways of Feridh.’ And that is precisely what we are; followers of Feridh and the teachings he has given us. There are countless Ferlians all around Naine Mithale. But it is the Ferlian Order that has been given charge of keeping our world safe from the likes of Akkheron.

“Each member was selected by The Ferlian for a specific purpose. They chose members from different dwellings for diversity and in hopes that each member would bring a different point of view to any of the incidents we may run into. In addition, each member has a special quality that The Order felt would assist the operation.”

“So, what are everyone’s ‘special’ qualities? Yours must be healing, right?” Joenek questioned.

“Yes,” Yena chortled. “I am the healer. Rikku can commune with any creature. Marrik is the inventor and scholar. Celik, as we discussed, is a member of the Kenim Naduhlna. And Torben is very knowledgeable of the history of Naine Mithale.”

“Don’t forget…he’s a wizard.” Rikku stated excitedly. Joenek’s brows rose in surprise.

“Well, yes. There is that.” Yena laughed.

“What about Edileth?” Joenek asked, glancing to the rothnak in question.

Edileth’s eyes widened and her face began to redden under his scrutiny. Rikku tried, and failed, to hide a grin of amusement.

“Well, I must admit; the reason for Edileth’s being here was not disclosed to me.” Yena’s laugh sounded like the tinkling of silver bells. “But I would guess it has something to do with her fiery determination.”

Edileth laughed nervously.

Thank you, Feridh. She thought with relief.

She did not want anybody knowing her secret; not yet --perhaps not ever.

Edileth noticed, then, that Joenek was studying her. His eyes were slightly squinted, concentrating. He seemed overly curious, and she didn’t like it one bit. Feeling self-conscious, Edileth looked away, trying to think of anything but her secret and Joenek’s ever-probing eyes.

 

*                      *                      *

 

“What, ever, are you doing here?” Yena questioned. “You were not supposed to arrive for another day, yet.”

The day before had passed rather slowly for Edileth. After their conversation, each elf had gone about his or her business, finding various activities to pass the time. Marrik had not arrived that night, nor had he arrived this morning. It was now mid-day and, instead of the inventor, Torben had arrived.

“What?” He exclaimed in imitated shock. “Are you not happy to see me?”

He stood, tall and lean, playing the part of the injured reject. Deep-set, gray eyes shone with amusement, and faint wrinkles deepened as those same eyes narrowed in laughter. An attractive, hawkish nose sat above a somewhat thin pair of lips. Graying hair had been tied back, and reached just past his shoulders.

Yena laughed heartily and moved into his arms.

“Of course, I am pleased to see you.”

“Are you certain?” Torben teased, waggling his brows, and holding the rothnak away from him. “I could leave and return later?”

Yena looked up at him in mock anger.

“You shall do no such thing.” She stated. Then smiling, she continued. “You shall stay right here. I forbid your absence from my side.”

“Ah! As you wish, most beautiful of elves.” He gave a fanciful bow. “I shall stay with you, my love.”

He pulled Yena close, leaned down, and kissed her with tenderness.

Edileth felt fondness for the couple stir within her. A smile played on her lips, and she started to delve into her own thoughts. However, Yena’s laughter brought her straight back to reality.

“Oh,” Yena began, “did I fail to mention that Torben was my husband?”

Joenek’s face was a mask of incredulity. At last, he revealed a smile and laughed quietly. The roth gave a little shake of his head, as though attempting to jostle his thoughts back in order.

“And who is this lad?” Torben questioned.

Joenek stood, then, and introduced himself to the elder elf.

 “‘Tis a pleasure to meet you.” Torben answered, placing a strong hand on Joenek’s shoulder. “How did you get tangled up in this business, eh?”

The younger roth told the story of the Elaborathin attack and how he had obtained the Gredhe and of the chase and skirmish which had ensued.

“Well, well,” Torben stated amusedly. “It sounds as though we have a fine warrior on our hands.”

Edileth rolled her eyes.

Oh, honestly…you don’t know the half of it.

“And how does our dear Edileth feel about your presence?” Torben questioned loudly, overemphasizing her name to ensure she was paying attention.

“Bah!” She spat out. “I could care less about the maggot.” She flashed a fake smile so Torben would think she was jesting.

The elder elf bellowed in laughter.

“She’s a saucy young rothnak, isn’t she, lad?” He prodded Joenek’s side with his elbow, giving a wink.

Edileth saw Joenek’s knitted brow and wide-eyed look. She hadn’t fooled him -- not that she had been trying to. His neck gave a small bob as he swallowed. He then turned to Torben, a tight smile playing on his lips.

“That she is, sir.” His jaw clenched briefly and his eyes kept darting back to Edileth, as though he expected her to transform into an Elaborathin or some other unpleasant beast.

Yena came to stand beside Torben, wrapping one arm around the back of his torso.

“Why have you arrived early? Was there trouble?” Concern knitted her brow.

Her husband’s face took on a more serious countenance. His eyes grew distant, seeming unfathomable. He turned slightly and rested his chin atop Yena’s head. After nuzzling her hair for a moment, he began speaking.

“Alas, there was trouble. Come, let us sit.” After helping his wife sit and settling down beside her, he continued. “I was in Ain Vimnaya Vandrosen, speaking with the King’s Council. These are, indeed, troubling times. All throughout Gael-Narendh, cities are falling prey to the beasts of Si-ol. It is the worst, I’m told, in the Western Region. It is to be expected, I suppose, since they are nearest that accursed excuse of a country.

“But most troubling was the news of the Elaborathin. Many of the beasts have amassed in Fekklorn, and have settled near the borders of the Western Region. Scouts have surmised their numbers to be near three legions, with somewhere just under two thousand head of Lerecht.”

Silence hung thick upon the air. Edileth imagined a division of Elaborathin waiting right outside the borders of Gael-Narendh. Her stomach churned at the thought.

When compared to the whole of any of the military forces in Naine Mithale, fifteen thousand soldiers was a rather small number. However, it was not the numbers that disturbed her, as much as the fact that they were preparing for something. And that something was within the borders of Gael-Narenth.

“Do we have any idea why they have gathered there?” Rikku asked from the entryway. The other four elves glanced up.

“Rikku, where have you been?” Torben asked. “You were not here to greet me; how rude.” He winked his eye, and gestured for her to move into the small circle.

“My apologies, Vimhemra Vaindransen.” Rikku stated, using the title for the “Wizard of White.” She sat between Edileth and Yena. “I was asking the birds for any information that might tell us why Marrik has been delayed. There has been no news of him, yet.

“However, a sparrow told me of an Elaborathin raid on the city of Sae-an, about one day’s journey hence. The brutes laid waste to the croplands and burned the forest surrounding the city. They then pilfered and plundered, killing any that crossed their paths. That was all the sparrow could tell -- their memories are a bit small -- and he could recall that much, only because it happened this very morn. But I fear that worse things have occurred in Sae-an, this day.”

“Hmm…” Torben scratched at his jaw for a moment. “These raids are becoming more prevalent in the Northern Region, now. And my guess would be that it has very much to do with us. I’m sure that word has spread that the Gredhe Orb was in Lael and escaped the clutches of the Elaborathin, there. Now they will be combing all the Northern Region in search of it per their Master’s instructions.

“Whence we carry on from here, we shall have to tread with caution. If Akkheron is sending out legions of Elaborathin, you can be sure that he has sent out various others of his experimental beasties. Only Feridh knows what troubles we shall encounter with Akkheron’s vermin swarming the whole of Naine Mithale.”

“Perhaps that would explain the Bekhron.” Edileth exclaimed, shock and understanding brightening her eyes.

“What’s this?” Torben turned to her.

“When we were making our way through the Drezkens, there was a horde of Bekhron. We were in a rather tight spot and could not go around them without risking a great loss of time, so we were forced to fight. I was terribly confused why they should be so far outside Si-ol. But if Akkheron has sent out masses of his monsters, then it would make perfect sense.”

“Good, heavens, child.” Torben nearly shouted. His face was a mix of exuberance and fatherly concern. “Why, ‘tis a miracle that you yet live. I cannot believe it.”

“She very nearly didn’t.” Yena said quietly, placing a calming hand on her husband’s forearm. His face sobered as Yena explained further. “She was poisoned by the blood and caught fever. Feridh be praised, she made it through.”

Edileth waved off their concern.

“I’m quite all right.” She stated impatiently. “What I’m more concerned about is why the Bekhron were here.” At everyone’s dumfounded looks, she continued. “Does it not seem terribly odd that the Bekhron so happened to be right in the very mountain range we were to meet one another? Does it not seem slightly too precise to be coincidence?”

“You think we have a traitor amongst us?” It was more of a statement than a question. Torben looked at Edileth with something akin to pride.

“Perhaps not a traitor,” she began with caution, “but certainly some of the information has been found out. Why else would the Bekhron have been milling about in the middle of the Drezkens?”

“It’s something to ponder, indeed.” Torben grimaced.

Author's Note

Critiques are greatly welcomed.

Reviews

[Stefanie Holmes]

I like the hint of a possible romance brewing. :)
Another great chapter Elina and I look forward to reading more when I get the chance, because I am very intrigued!

~Stefanie

[Elina]

Thank you, as always,for the review. I'm glad you're still enjoying it.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

You put together an ensemble here with this: Chapter 6...
the plot gets in the thick of things...
as more members of the group come in...
yet not all of them are there quite yet...
the hypothesis of events are unfolding...
towards the end to this chapter...
again just enough to keep the suspense...
A tell-all of why each person is there from each region...
Except of of course...Edileth...there is a purpose for each...
and the chaos that's surrounding the land...

[Eddie Davis]

Very nice continuation of the story line, I look forward to reading more. “You think we have a traitor amongst our midst?” sounds a bit awkward to me. "In our midst' or 'amongst us' perhaps?

[Elina]

Thank you for pointing that out. I don't know how that escaped my notice. I will have to fix that.

[Louise Winter]

I really enjoyed reading this :)

[Elina]

I am glad! Thank you for taking the time to read it.

[hayley]

Fantastic! Possible betrayal AND romantic intrigue in one chapter?! Has me looking forward to the next chapter!

[A. Amos]

Simply splendid, enjoyed the read and thanks for sharing

[Elina]

Thank you for reading, and the review. I am glad you liked it.

[A. Amos]

You're most welxome my dear